Roger Hanks, a 76-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, Judith Hanks, and his daughter, Emily Hanks, following a heated argument while he was cleaning his gun. The incident took place in East Marlborough Township, and Hanks was arrested after police discovered the bodies of his wife and daughter. The Chester County District Attorney’s office described the killings as “senseless” and the result of a basic dispute that escalated into violence.
According to reports, Roger Hanks was cleaning his 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun at home when an argument broke out between him and his wife. Charging documents indicated that during the argument, Hanks threatened his wife and pointed the gun at her, eventually firing and fatally striking her in the chest. His daughter, Emily, witnessed the incident and attempted to intervene, leading to Hanks shooting her as well. Hanks then admitted to a neighbor that he had killed his family, prompting her to contact the authorities.
Roger Hanks was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and related offenses. Despite the efforts of medics to save Judith and Emily Hanks, both women were pronounced dead at the scene. Hanks reportedly told investigators that he intentionally aimed for their chests when he fired the handgun, and also allegedly boasted about his marksmanship skills to the police, claiming to be “the best of the best” when it came to shooting.
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe expressed disbelief at Hanks’ actions, labeling them as unfathomable. Hanks is currently being held at the Chester County Prison without bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 8, 2024. If found guilty of the two counts of first-degree murder, Hanks could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. While capital punishment is legal in Pennsylvania, the state has not carried out an execution since 1999, leaving the possibility open for Hanks to receive a life sentence if convicted.
